Equinor gains EIA approval for Korean floating wind project

Norwegian energy company Equinor (OSE:EQNR) on Tuesday said its Bandibuli offshore wind project in South Korea has received approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

“With the successful completion of the EIA, the Bandibuli project is now eligible to participate in the Korean fixed price contract auction for wind power projects later this year,” said project director Torgeir Nakken.

Equinor’s Bandibuli/Firefly project is an up-to-800-MW floating wind farm project off the coast of Ulsan. The scheme secured an electric business license in November 2021 and commenced its EIA process in December 2021. The EIA is a key step in the offshore wind project approval process and a prerequisite for subsequent permits.

“The Environmental Impact Assessment for the Bandibuli project was conducted through close cooperation with local fishermen and residents, adhering to both domestic EIA and international ESIA [environmental and social impact assessment] standards set by the International Finance Corporation,” explained Bjorn Inge Braathen, country managing director of Equinor Korea.

Bandibuli leverages Equinor’s experience going back to the Hywind Demo in 2009 and South Korea’s supply chain capabilities, the company says.

Also on Tuesday, Copenhagen Offshore Partners (COP) said it has completed the EIA consultation with South Korea's environment ministry for the 1.5-GW Haewoori floating wind project off the coast of Ulsan.

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